Where to go for Care: Decoding Your Medical Provider Options

Recent studies indicate that nearly
half of the 500,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan member visits to the
emergency room (ER) in 2015 were inappropriate or potentially avoidable. The
average cost of a non-emergency ER room visit is $750, but can cost health plan
members anywhere from $50 to $150 or more per visit, depending on their plan. Alternatively,
other quality care choices typically fall under $200 per visit with member
costs starting as low as free, such as with the use of a 24-hour nurse line. Not
only do unnecessary ER visits cost members more in out-of-pocket costs and time
waiting for medical attention, they also contribute to the rising
costs of health care overall. For patients to receive the most
cost-friendly, accessible care possible, it’s crucial to understand which facilities
and resources are appropriate when care is needed.

· Primary
Care Physician (PCP): Average time
for care: 60 minutes

If an individual is not
in need of serious or immediate medical attention, it is recommended that he/she
first call their primary care physician with questions or concerns. A sore
throat, cough, low-grade fever, earache, cold and flu symptoms are a few
examples of when a trip to the doctor’s office would be appropriate. Health care
providers can offer wellness guidance tailored to the patient, especially if
the two share a long-standing history.

· 24/7 Nurse
Lines: Average time for care: 12
minutes

Many patients are unaware that health questions
and concerns can be addressed 24 hours a day, seven days a week over the phone.
As the name implies, nurse lines offer free, convenient medical advice from registered
nurses who can provide tips and advice for any health issue and in some cases,
a treatment plan. Patients can use nurse lines to assess a health condition,
receive general wellness guidance or tips on preventive care. The nurse line is
especially helpful for families with small children. Information on nurse lines
can be found through insurance and/or health care providers.

· Online
Tools: Average time for care: 10
minutes

Digital tools are making their mark in
the health care space by offering patients low-to-no cost medical guidance from
board-certified health care providers. Patients can see a doctor face-to-face
through their computer at home or on-the-go using mobile apps and online tools.
Many of these resources also offer the ability to fill necessary prescriptions and/or
help those without a primary care provider, find a doctor nearby.

· Retail
Clinics: Average time for care: 30-45
minutes

Non-emergency
conditions can be treated by physician assistants and nurse practitioners operating
retail clinics in select pharmacies. These facilities are low-cost and
convenient for patients looking to treat minor illnesses and injuries or fill
medications without a wait. Depending on the location, these walk-in clinics are
often open on evenings and weekends.

· Emergency
Room (ER): Average time for care:
4 hours

Patients experiencing
a serious or life-threatening health emergency are advised to call 911 or go to
the nearest emergency room. If the health risk is unclear, primary care
physicians and nurse lines can help determine whether an individual should make
the trip to an ER. Those with pre-existing conditions should keep in mind signs
and symptoms specific to their health history and risk level.

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